A special £1 chicken and chips offer at Hajees Original Fish & Chips in Birmingham generated significant buzz, leading to a chaotic scene that unfolded on March 15, 2024. The takeaway, which holds a one-star food hygiene rating, attracted a long queue of eager customers, all hoping to enjoy a nostalgic meal at an unbeatable price.
The promotion, widely shared on social media and accumulating over 76,000 views on TikTok, promised a taste of the “good old days” when meals felt more affordable. Arriving at approximately 15:00, just an hour before the deal was set to expire, I found the line extending well beyond the door, packed with customers determined to take advantage of the offer.
Inside the small establishment, staff worked tirelessly to keep pace with demand. Despite the disarray, the atmosphere was lively, with customers joking and chatting as they inched forward. One father in line noted, “I’m just here for the kids,” highlighting the family-oriented vibe of the event.
As the minutes ticked away, the anticipation intensified. After approximately 50 minutes of waiting, a staff member delivered the disheartening news: “We’re out of chicken.” The announcement came just before 15:50, igniting frustration among those still in line. A particularly vocal mother, who had been waiting longer, engaged in a heated exchange with the staff, arguing about the remaining time to honour the deal.
Faced with dwindling patience and rising discomfort, I considered leaving. However, after investing so much time, I decided to stay for the meal. When I finally reached the counter, I ordered a grilled chicken wrap, chips, and an ‘Ice Cola’ for a total of £8.
The moment I unwrapped my meal, I was met with a surprising sight. My request for mayonnaise on the chips was met with an overwhelming amount of sauce, nearly suffocating the portion beneath it. Despite this, the chips that escaped the mayonnaise avalanche were delightful, featuring a satisfying crunch and a fluffy interior — true comfort food.
The wrap was decent, reminiscent of KFC quality, which I found enjoyable. Yet, despite the tasty elements, would I make the journey across Birmingham for Hajees again? The answer is likely no.
This experience taught me an important lesson: a one-star hygiene rating does not necessarily equate to poor food quality. It also served as a reminder to moderate requests for condiments. As chaotic as the experience was, it offered a glimpse into the enduring appeal of traditional takeaways and the lengths to which people will go for a taste of nostalgia.
